With bold design, rooted sustainability, and curated luxury, Pullman Chennai sets a new benchmark for hospitality in South India.
Chennai’s hospitality landscape has a bold new entrant—Pullman Chennai, the first standalone Pullman property in South India. Vinodh Ramamurthy, the General Manager from the hotel’s leadership team talks about what sets this space apart, from its design philosophy and sustainability ethos to culinary curation and guest experience.
Pullman Chennai feels very different from the traditional luxury hotel. Was that intentional?
Absolutely. We wanted to break away from the formulaic approach to business hotels. You won’t find cold marble lobbies or predictable steel-and-glass design here. Every part of the hotel feels warm, layered, and full of character—whether it’s the textured carpets, varied floor designs, or the eclectic art. Our goal was to create something that felt bold and intimate at once.
What inspired the decision to bring Pullman to Chennai specifically?
Chennai already had the perfect canvas. The original hotel had a strong sense of identity and depth—something we knew we could build on. The C. Subba Reddy family, our owners, are deeply involved in the property. The interiors and art were curated in close collaboration with Singapore-based designer Jeffrey Wilkes. It was their vision—and Accor’s belief in that vision—that made Chennai the ideal flagship for Pullman in South India.
What are some of the key differentiators when it comes to design?
One major difference is that we have moved away from rigid layouts. You won’t find the usual desk-chair-TV arrangement in our rooms. Instead, we have created multi-functional spaces that encourage guests to use them as they please—whether they are relaxing, working, or entertaining. Even the iron board and other standard features are stacked inside to keep the spaces uncluttered.
How do you define luxury in today’s context?
For us, luxury is experiential, not just visual. It’s about anticipation and thoughtfulness. We have had guests walk in and enjoy the thoughtful gestures by our staff. These are memories that stay with people. Our staff is trained to observe, not just serve. And because Pullman is a lifestyle brand, we are not bound by traditional five-star protocols—we are encouraged to be warm, expressive, and human.
Tell us about the culinary vision at Pullman Chennai?
Our all-day dining restaurant, Mercato, balances a wide buffet with a strong à la carte menu—unlike many hotels, we actively encourage guests to order à la carte even during buffet hours. Then there’s Up North, our progressive North Indian restaurant. It’s lively, contemporary, and rooted in regional authenticity—with a twist. We serve chaat, grills, small plates, and our now-famous Dal Makhani, which went through over 20 recipe trials to perfect. Also, no overdone music either because we are not trying to mimic heritage. Up North has a modern vibe, upbeat music, and a fun, almost lounge-like energy. We believe great food can be celebrated without clichés. Also, we are working on curated lunches that focus on quality over quantity. No overflowing buffets—just intimate, beautifully plated meals, seasonal specials, and great cocktails. It’s about dining, not just eating.
Sustainability is a big talking point in hospitality now. What’s Pullman Chennai doing in that space?
A lot. We are Gold LEED certified, powered entirely by wind energy, and have eliminated single-use plastics from all operations, including banquets. We have also set up a solar plant and use biodegradable chemicals in our laundry.A green initiative rooted in thoughtful practice is that every table setting features a charming paddy sapling, adding a touch of greenery to the dining experience. That's not it. The withered ones are lovingly donated to feed local cattle, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendliness. Sustainability isn’t just a department here—it’s a mindset.
As the only standalone Pullman in India currently, how are you positioning the brand?
We are carving our own niche. Pullman Chennai is not trying to copy others—we are redefining what a luxury business hotel can be. Our guests aren’t just CEOs and conference attendees; they are creative people, entrepreneurs, and global travellers who value design, comfort, and service with soul. We are here to offer something memorable, not just five-star.
Finally, how do you want guests to feel when they leave Pullman Chennai?
Like they have experienced something personal. Whether it’s a dish they loved, a staff member who remembered their preferences, or the art in their room—something should stay with them. That’s our benchmark for success.
